Two militants were killed and a third was seriously hurt by a bear that found them in its den in Indian-administered Kashmir, police say.

The BBC reported Tuesday the militants were armed with assault rifles but were caught off-guard by the bruin. The attack occurred in a cave in Kulgam district, south of Srinagar, the British broadcaster said.

A fourth militant escaped without serious injury.

Police officer Farooq Ahmed said the Muslim separatists had made the cave their hideout, without realizing it was the bear's home. Police said they found the remains of pudding the militants had made to eat before they were attacked. They also found rifles and ammunition.

The BBC noted wildlife experts say the conflict in Kashmir has caused an increase in the population of bears and leopards. People have been required to turn in their guns to police and that put a halt to poaching.

The result, they say, has been a rise in confrontations between man and animals.